Richard Yap suits the good doctor role in GMA series

Before pursuing careers in business and entertainment, Richard Yap considered a profession in the medical field by studying medical technology, a pre-med course. So, living the life of a physician also crossed his mind. Life, however, had other plans for the actor, who, as one may put it, took on them and embraced them.

“Actually, it was my dream,” said Richard of becoming a doctor during a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR. “My dad didn’t like it at that time because he was a businessman and wanted me to transfer to (a) business (course). I acceded to his request.”

Richard the student enrolled in a business management program, but took a leave of absence after two semesters. The reason was to continue his interest in medicine. The university he applied to didn’t credit his completed subject courses and asked him to start as a freshman.

“So, I said I might as well finish my business degree para hindi sayang yung oras na binigay ko na (so that the time I had spent on my studies wouldn’t go to waste),” added he.

In the GMA 7’s Abot-Kamay na Pangarap, which airs Mondays to Saturdays after Eat Bulaga, Richard gets to wear the white coat as Dr. Roberto Jose “RJ” Tanyag. He seems to know every inch of his character.

“We did an immersion and spent a few days in the hospital,” recalled he of some cast members’ preparation, which included watching a real procedure, “of course, it helped that I had my pre-med for two and a half years. I took up medical technology, so may konting background ako.” By the way, Richard is a fan of medical dramas and has watched The Good Doctor and a lot of medical K-dramas like Ghost Doctor.

The actor is ready to narrate the personal and professional life of a passionate doctor, who has fallen in love with two women and is a father to two resident doctors. One of which is Analyn, the young genius doctor, played by Jillian Ward.

“It also helps that in our show magkasundo kaming lahat (we get along with each other),” said he. “We have a very good working relationship, not only on the set, but off the set as well. Parang nag-gel kaming lahat and it really shows on TV.” Everybody is on the same page to present an inspiring medical family drama.

Asked if he is the type of actor who will watch a previous show and critique his work, Richard said, “Yes, I really watch it. Me and my wife, we usually watch it together and I ask for her opinion if my acting is OK in this (scene) or that (scene). I ask her, so that I can get honest feedback.” There were times when he found his performance lacking, fine or just sufficient. “We (actors) need to do that so we can improve ourselves,” he added.

Richard is used to that TV work grind that requires him to do scenes not chronologically and tape a lot of sequences in a day.

“Good thing is, we already get the script in advance,” said he. “At least we are prepared, we’ve read it. Ang maganda lang dito, si direk L.A. Madridejos, he always explains kung ano yung pinanggagalingan namin (from what point of the story we are coming from). At least, our emotions fit (the scene) o nag-swa-swak siya sa eksena.”

Since strict health and safety protocols have been eased in the new normal, Richard the entrepreneur was also inquired about his thoughts on the present business landscape.

“Medyo, this year, medyo bumabalik na ang negosyo, not only in terms of, let’s say, dining, like in our restaurants, but also in our office furniture na ginagawa. Medyo bumabalik na yung mga projects,” said he. “So, off-cam, that’s where we’re busy with, bringing the business back on its feet kasi medyo hirap talaga ang lahat ng negosyante during the pandemic.”

Speaking of business, what are his pieces of advice to those stars, who wish to start up a business because showbiz projects sometimes are few and far between?

“Well, I would say you really have to explore, but you don’t just put your money kung saan-saan (in different investments),” answered he. “Don’t fall for scams (like) get rich quick kasi ang negosyo talaga pinagtatrabahuhan (because doing business is hard work). You may get lucky sometimes, but it’s not all the time. Usually, it takes a lot of hard work. Most businessmen who have made it big, they worked their way from the bottom… and they started small.”

Similar to establishing a name in show business, a businessman needs reliable people, who also know the ins and outs of the industry. “You can’t just depend on yourself all the time kasi hindi mo naman kaya lahat (because you can’t do everything),” added he. “So, it’s a combination of hard work, the people you work with, (having) good partners (and) good advice. Talk to people who are older than you, who have more experience, so that they can give you what they’ve learned and they can teach you their experiences.”

Aside from all this, success in any endeavor boils down also to how one treats other people. Richard said, “I think it’s really treating people right also, being true (and) being honest to your word.”

The actor’s first TV series, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, with Heart Evangelista, on the other hand, is now on Netflix. “We didn’t expect that,” said he. “I also give my salute and hats off to GMA because they’ve done so well.”

Hopefully, Abot-Kamay na Pangarap will also be part of the Philippine collection of titles available on the popular streaming platform.